Convention 2018

Convention 2018

Convention 2018

Daily Convention Updates

April 21

Convention 2018 reaffirms CUPE BC’s commitment to member engagement and political action

VANCOUVER - CUPE BC’s 55th annual convention in Vancouver ended today, with delegates approving an Action Plan for the coming year, reaffirming the union’s commitment to strengthening its membership, defending public services and the dignity of members’ work, building solidarity and capacity, and ongoing political action—including campaigning for a “Yes” vote in the upcoming referendum on proportional representation. Read more.

Time to level the playing field, Lanzinger tells Convention

VANCOUVER – With a labour-friendly government now holding the reins of power, the time is ripe to introduce changes to employment standards and other legislation that will make life better for working British Columbians, BC Federation of Labour President Irene Lanzinger told delegates at CUPE BC’s 55th annual convention on Saturday. Read more.

VANCOUVER - Despite challenges over the past year—including the union’s first move to a new office since 1991, a lengthy lockout at Pacific Blue Cross followed by a successful campaign to replace the PBC board, and the growth of operating expenses due to rising costs—CUPE BC remains in good financial shape, Secretary-Treasurer Trevor Davies told delegates on Friday at the union’s 55th annual convention. Read more.

VANCOUVER - Premier John Horgan was greeted with a sustained standing ovation from more than 600 delegates and guests as he delivered the keynote address to CUPE BC’s 55th annual convention in Vancouver today. Read more.

Fleury to delegates: “CUPE National is with you in all your fights”

VANCOUVER – While we may face challenges in the upcoming year, CUPE National has the resources and is ready to face every challenge ahead, said CUPE National Secretary-Treasurer Charles Fleury in his annual address to CUPE BC delegates. Read more.

April 19

‘Let’s stand united and together let’s grow our great union’-- Hancock

VANCOUVER - CUPE National President Mark Hancock delivered a wide-ranging and passionate speech to CUPE BC’s 55th annual convention on Thursday, telling delegates that CUPE’s renewed bargaining policy will help fight back against the rise of precarious work and violence in the workplace. Read more.

Colombian activist thanks CUPE for help in “keeping us alive”

VANCOUVER—International guest speaker Berenice Celeyta moved delegates at CUPE BC’s 55th annual convention Thursday with a passionate address in which she thanked the union for its continued support of human rights in her native Colombia. Read more.

April 18

CUPE BC Convention 2018 kicks off by celebrating victories and mobilizing for the challenges ahead

VANCOUVER—CUPE BC’s 55th annual convention opened Wednesday night in Vancouver with more than 400 delegates celebrating a year of significant accomplishments and looking ahead to challenges in the coming year. Read more.

New delegates ready to take on convention

VANCOUVER - It was standing room only at a packed new delegates seminar which took place just prior to the official start of CUPE BC’s 55th annual convention and offered a sneak peak of all things convention for those new to CUPE BC’s parliament. Read more.

CUPE BC pension forum explains ESGs

VANCOUVER – Delegates attending the CUPE BC pension forum learned about Environmental, Social and Governance Investing (ESGs) through a panel presentation followed by a Q&A. Sarah Bjorknas, chair of the CUPE BC Pension Committee, introduced panelists and emceed the event. Read more.

CUPE BC Convention App Available

We are very excited to announce that whether you are a delegate to the CUPE BC 2018 Convention or if you want to follow along from home, there will be a convention app for mobile devices that will connect you to all of the action. No matter what kind of mobile device you use, the app will be available for a free download. The app will be up and running soon, just go to your online app store, search for “CUPE BC Convention 2018” and you will be able to easily download and install the app on your device.

Electronic Voting

Given the success of electronic voting at our last convention, we are pleased to announce that we will be using electronic voting again this year. There is only one election at this year’s convention for 1 Trustee - 3-year term that will be conducted by electronic ballot. E-voting may also be used to confirm results on resolutions.

Delegates will receive an e-voting keypad at registration.

Pre-Convention and Convention Events

In recent years, adoption of ESG investing and asset growth has accelerated. We need to be aware of how ESG factors are affecting our decisions on investments in our pension plans. Come to this year’s CUPE BC pension forum and get a better understanding of Environmental, Social and Governance Investing.

Are you a new delegate to convention and would like to learn about the Rules of Order and gain a better understanding of convention before it begins? Please come to the “New Delegates Seminar” held just prior to the start of convention where President Paul Faoro and others will walk you through the convention procedures.

The Young Workers Committee is hosting a cruise during the CUPE BC Convention for all young workers (30 years and younger). You do not have to be a delegate to the convention to attend this special event. We will be supplying appetizers, a complimentary drink ticket and entertainment.

Please pre-register for this event by sending an email to info@cupe.bc.ca or call the CUPE BC office at 604-291-9119 by April 11, 2018. This will assist in the ordering of food and beverage.

Please join us for an educational and fun filled evening as the four CUPE BC Equality Committees (Pink Triangle, Workers of Colour, Indigenous and Persons with Disabilities) will host an Equality Event at convention. Each committee will host a one-half hour segment dedicated to their equality issues. Light snacks and refreshments will be served. Please note that this event is open to all delegates and we look forward to seeing you there.

Governance Forum with the National President and National Secretary-Treasurer

Our last national convention created a Task Force on Governance, which will be conducting a comprehensive review of the governance and structure of our National Union. This is an early opportunity for delegates to provide input to the Task Force on how CUPE is governed, including answering questions related to our National Executive Board and National Conventions.

Please pre-register for this event by sending an email to info@cupe.bc.ca or call the CUPE BC office at 604-291-9119 by April 11th, 2018. This will assist in the ordering of food and beverage.

Are you the person in your Local or District Council who handles the communications?

Even if you’re not, is Communications something you are interested in? If you are attending the convention, you are invited to attend the Communications Breakfast on Friday morning.

More details to come – keep an eye on the convention app once it is up and running. Communication Reps from the BC Regional Office will be on hand to answer questions, address any concerns and provide tips on how your local can improve its communications. Our aim is to provide assistance, whether you are just starting out or already producing award-winning newsletters or websites. Don’t forget that CUPE BC’s Annual Communications Awards will be presented at the breakfast.

Please pre-register by April 11th by sending an email to info@cupe.bc.ca or phone the CUPE BC office at 604-291-9119. This will assist in the ordering of food and beverage.

This year at convention, there will be a social and dance on Friday night. There will not be a banquet as we find most delegates prefer to go out for dinner. There is no admission charge for the dance. Light snacks and appetizers will be served later in the evening.